As the highly-anticipated Asia Cup 2023 clash between Pakistan and India approaches, skipper Babar Azam has warned the opponents of his team’s “best” bowling attack.
The arch-rivals will face off on Sunday (tomorrow) in the Super 4 match in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The national side has played one match in Sri Lanka and two in Pakistan so far during the event.
“Fast bowlers win matches and tournaments, I believe,” the skipper said during a press conference, adding that he was proud of the pacers.
The star batter also said that the secret of their success is that they trust each other and believe in themselves.
Meanwhile, Babar also spoke about the back-and-forth travelling in the tournament.
“We are constantly travelling. While you are playing, you don’t feel much, but it is very important to take care of the players,” the skipper said during a press conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Before the tournament kicked off on August 30, the side had been touring Sri Lanka for a series against Afghanistan, from which they returned to Pakistan towards the end of August to play against Nepal in the opening match at Multan. The side then flew to Sri Lanka for their match against India on September 2 and then returned to Lahore for a clash against Bangladesh on September 6. They are now again in Colombo, Sri Lanka for a clash against India set to be played tomorrow (Sunday).
During the conference, Babar expressed hope that the weather would stay clear in Colombo tomorrow.
“The way the sun is shining, it seems it will not rain tomorrow,” he said, adding that training was in the hands of the team and they were doing that.
He further said that the team may have a playing advantage in Colombo.
“Our bowling start is good and middlemen are also trying to do well. We need to get wickets in the middle overs but we are finishing well,” Babar said.
He said that they were trying different combinations and that’s why fast bowler Faheem Ashraf was included in the side against Bangladesh.
“Our options are open and the players selected are the best. We do not suffer from the problem of selection.
“We know who we are going to get to play,” the skipper said.
He said the team was focused on winning matches, winning tournaments and staying together.
“For the World Cup, we are looking at the Asia Cup to see what else can be improved,” he said, adding that the squad was almost decided.
“All [we] do [is] for the betterment of the team, not [to cause] heartbreak for the players, whoever gets selected will be the best,” the skipper said.
